MESA, Ariz. – Police said a man shot and killed his mother and his teenage sister before he reportedly killed himself in an apparent murder-suicide on Monday,
Police officers were called by a man about a shooting just after 7:30 p.m. near 8th Avenue and County Club Road in Mesa. Once officers arrived at the scene, a man who had called 911 said he lived at the apartment with his girlfriend and her children. When he got home, he reportedly found his girlfriend and her son and daughter dead, according to KSAZ.
The deceased were identified as Aide D. Popcoa, 46; Rafael Popoca, 21; and Ashley Popcoa, 14, according to KTVK.
Investigators believe that Rafael Popoca shot his mother and sister before turning the gun on himself. KTKV reported that each person was found dead in a different room within the apartment.
Information about what led up to the apparent murder-suicide was not immediately released.
Mesa Police are working a crime scene in the area of 600 W 8th Avenue. Three people found deceased in an apartment. Please stay out of the area. pic.twitter.com/kQlgJzZkbk
— Mesa Police Dept. (@MesaPD) April 4, 2023
